The NBA opened its season with two games: 76ers vs Celtics and Lakers vs Warriors. Both games had competitive moments and had stars from all four teams showing out. Here are some key take aways I thought were shown from the two games.

The Lakers are in trouble: 109-123 loss, the Lakers looked overall lost. The role players on roster looked below average to other teams, and that is me being generous. There was no spacing, shot creation, and overall chemistry throughout the entirety of the roster that will need to be addressed if they want to be anywhere near competitive this season. The Russell Westbrook problem also looks to still be a problem as he looks out of fit and has already publicly stated by both parties that they need to find him somewhere else.

James Harden is back: Even with the 117-126 loss, Philadelphia’s own James Harden back to his dominant self after a rough transition year from him last year. He put up 35 points in 37 minutes of play consisting of a couple of tough three point shots, a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line, and some easy takes off the dribble that made defenders look foolish. He also would put up 7 assists and 8 rebounds. Losing won’t be a normal thing for them if he can keep up this level of play.

Celtics looked unfazed: With the loss of their head coach, the Celtics turned a rather successful offseason to one with many questions for the rosters moral. But they quickly put those questions to rest as they took down a tough 76ers team. Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had 35 showing they wanted to prove they were still the defending Eastern Conference champs with or without their head coach.